Exophiala angulospora Causes Systemic Mycosis in Atlantic Halibut: a Case Report |
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| Authors: | David P Overy Jan Giles Stephanie Duffy Mellisa Rommens Gerald Johnson |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3, Canada;2. Nautilus Biosciences Canada, Duffy Research Center, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3, Canada;3. Aquatic Diagnostic Services, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3, Canada;4. Nautilus Biosciences Canada, Duffy Research Center, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3, Canada;5. Aquaculture Solutions, 1475 Peter Road, Emyvale, Prince Edward Island C0A 1Y0, Canada |
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| Abstract: | Filamentous black yeasts from the genus Exophiala are ubiquitous, opportunistic pathogens causing both superficial and systemic mycoses in warm- and cold-blooded animals. Infections by black yeasts have been reported relatively frequently in a variety of captive and farmed freshwater and marine fishes. In November 2012, moribund and recently dead, farm-raised Atlantic Halibut Hippoglossus hippoglossus were necropsied to determine the cause of death. Histopathology revealed that three of seven fish were affected by a combination of an ascending trans-ductual granulomatous mycotic nephritis, necrotizing histiocytic encephalitis, and in one fish the addition of a fibrogranulomatous submucosal branchitis. Microbial cultures of kidney using selective mycotic media revealed pure growth of a black-pigmenting septated agent. Application of molecular and phenotypic taxonomy methodologies determined that all three isolates were genetically consistent with Exophiala angulospora. This is the first report of E. angulospora as the causal agent of systemic mycosis in Atlantic Halibut. Received January 27, 2014; accepted July 23, 2014 |
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